Cllr Ian Dore (Ind Alliance) shares this amendment to the Alliance Group’s budget proposal being voted on at Wednesday’s Full Council Meeting. In his own words. Ed
In July 2021 as seen in the local media and on ITV, homes and businesses were wrecked in the flooding in Binstead.
Two previous council administrations have failed to carry out recommended works detailed in two commissioned flooding reports. The third, currently in draft form, is believed to recommend the same.
Residents pleas for help have been answered, as Cllr Ian Dore submits his own ‘Flood Money’ amendment for approval at the budget on 23rd February.
Dore: Fists are being waved and rightly so
The Binstead and Fishbourne Ward Councillor said,
“The residents that have spoken to me since the budget was released are furious. The disappointment that washes over Binstead is almost on the level of the flooding last July. Previously committed Capital Expenses were withdrawn, despite the issues not being rectified.
“The net result is that in July of last year, 20 plus houses internally flooded, amenity businesses were wrecked and six households had to be temporarily rehoused. Some have yet to return. Fists are being waved and rightly so.”
Williams: House and garden totally trashed with human excrement
Resident Abi Williams said,
“Our house and garden like many others, was totally trashed with human excrement floating around and possessions destroyed. If the commitment to sort out the drainage and install the attenuation tanks had been honored when promised, it could all have been avoided.
“Again we live in constant fear of when it will happen again. To not act is nothing short of negligent and those that ignore this should be held to account.”
Edwards: What is more important than protecting peoples homes?
Lucy Edwards from The Fleming Arms added,
“Our business was totally destroyed due to the flooding in July and further damaged caused later in August. We had to close for a month suffering a loss of £27,000.
“In this budget the Administration could have shown a specific commitment of support to us, plus others in Binstead. They have chosen not to.
“What is more important than protecting peoples homes?”
In the Cabinet Budget Report its stated that:
“Work will continue with the Environment Agency on its £60m program of investment in coastal protection in key parts of the Island made possible by the Council’s commitment of £6m and not inconsiderable staffing expertise in this area.
“This investment will protect around 5,000 homes from flooding”
Dore: Must come from capital funding
Cllr Dore points out that
“The statement used in the Budget, is not relevant for Binstead. The Environment Agency are not responsible for drainage and surface water flooding. That falls firmly feet of the Council. Wearing wellies if they are visiting our fair Ward.
“You could be forgiven for thinking that the 60 million pound commitment is the answer. It isn’t.
“Nor is the £75k for footpath repairs. Its not applicable to Binstead and will not cover any of the recommended repair works, such as the installation of underground storage tanks and rain garden installation.
“Capital Funding previously came from the Council to mitigate these issues and that is where it must come from again. This time with a Specific Commitment to prioritised works. There are a couple of solutions to this and I am coming at it with the classic pincer movement. One was to submit an Amendment to the Budget.”
Maher: Persistent damp, stress and the inevitable financial loss
Chris Maher from Binstead based business, Maher Ross said,
“The human costs of the flooding should not be overlooked. Many Binstead residents lost their personal possessions and were forced to move out of their own homes for months, rather than weeks.
“Some of our residents now suffer from adverse health because of the persistent damp, stress and the inevitable financial loss associated with the flooding.
“The Council should implement immediate measures to prevent Binstead from flooding again; failure to do so will mean more misery, heartbreak, financial loss and poor health for a large number of Binstead residents.”
Dore: The responsible approach is to commit funds, to specific prioritised work
Cllr Dore added,
“In January I presented to the leader, deputy and a number of cabinet members, a very strong evidenced backed case for Specific Funding. We’ve had no less than two Section 19 reports, both recommending priority works.
“The third S19 report, is back in draft form and shock horror, it recommends the same! Where it is also very detailed, is how the flooding has negatively affected peoples’ mental and physical wellbeing. It is unacceptable to allow these risks to remain unresolved.
“I would be doing Binstead a huge injustice if I sat, hand on the Tiller drifting aimlessly down Sandpath atop a flow of H2O; ignoring my duties. The responsible approach is to commit funds, to specific prioritised work.
“There is another solution I am working on that requires specific commitments from a number of individuals; but I believe they acknowledge the seriousness of the situation. At the time of writing, its still in early form.
“Regardless, because of Budget submissions timelines, I had to put Binstead residents first and ensure the Amendment was written, submitted and approved in time.
“As I said in the media last July, ‘residents need to know is they have someone fighting their corner’. If the other solution transpires not to be workable, then on 23rd at Full Council, I will be making my evidence-based case and fighting for justice.
“Failure is not an option.”
